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Just starting out...

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Hey guys,

I've just finished my MSc Computer Science Degree (also A+ certified!) and I'm now looking around for jobs specifically within the *surprise* IT industry. Although I have some programming experience, primarily with Java, I dont want a programming based job. I'm looking more at technical support, fixing/repairing type of job.

I guess this is where my first query starts, the only thing I can come up with are 'technical support' based roles (having looked around on job sites) but what other fields are there? What else could I consider getting into?

My next query relates to producing a good CV. I applied for one job yesterday, one where they were seeking a graduate and today I recieved a rejection although I did meet pretty much all of what they were asking for. This lead me to believe that there maybe a problem with my CV. I've attached my CV could this every so kind community please take a look and provide some feedback on what I should consider adding :P

All feedback is much appreciated!!

Thanks in advance!

Attached Files:

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Job roles

1st line support
IT Technican
Field Service Technician (hardware & software).

I havent got time to look at your cv yet but I am sure someone will come along soon.

Ah, thanks bruce! Just to make it clear I'm also thinking of roles within the industry that don't involve technical support? I dont know, stuff to do with networks? Hmm, I guess I need some direction as to what's out there. But thanks for the tip!

Yes. Decent network managers value their networks and the security of their data and the want as little downtime as possible. This is why most people who are network engineers have had the experience in other areas first before being introduced to maintaining the safeguarding the stabilty of a network infrastructure.

The best area to get all round knowledge of everything is obviousley a technician but these jobs quite often these days are being advertised as needing experience so the best bet is to work in first line support or as a field service tech where your mainly supporting one specific thing such as XP and as you gain experience and show desire hopefully you will be given the chance to progress.

It took me a very long time to get into IT as its very competative, I started by helping people around the are I live and building and installing systems for a systems guy who supports our bespoke system at my main job, I do network cable testing and help cable up switches and hubs aswell as building server cabinets, which cut you to ribbons if your not careful

Ah, thanks bruce! Well I definately know where to start (thankfully those are the sort of jobs I have been applying for). Okay, I've been reading around, asking for advice on how to improve my CV and this is what I've managed to adapt it to:

Get rid of all your grades and modules not really relevant. Cut out the bs.

Its a shame you havent had a placement anywhere.

Look at milkround.com under I.T. and apply to the schemes there. There is 80 + I believe under I.T. Most of these pay well, offer good career progression etc.

Without any experiance and not getting into a "grad scheme" most likely you will have to start at the bottom no doubt in a tech support kind of role. However if you proove yourself and get certs as others have done on this board you will get where you want to be.

Ok I removed my scores from the A+ part. Removing the modules I undertook? I mean for now that is kind of all I have to go with? Also, I want to start of at the bottom and work my way up through experience etc!!! (maybe I put out the assumption I was hoping for more).

Okay so, I'm working on my cover letter and this is what I have so far:

I have just come across your advertisement for Help Desk 1st Line Support. I feel that I would be suited for this role.

The reason I feel that I am suited for this role is due to the nature of technical ability required on both a software and hardware level. Although I lack commercial experience I am able to back my claim with my academic experience, both from my master’s degree and my CompTIA A+ qualification.

What I am seeking is a long term career with your organisation and I feel that this opportunity will allow me to do so. I also feel that I will be the right candidate for your company as I’m passionate about the field I’m pursuing. I am willing to go the extra mile and I possess the 'can do' attitude you seek.

I think you will struggle to find 1st line support jobs with as many qualifications as you do. I'm a comp sci graduate and have had one or two interviews for 1st line support and every time I'm told I'm over qualified. Its like a dagger in the heart to an unemployed person but its what I keep hearing.

Well I had my first interview today and it was nothing like i expected. The interviewers were very pleasant and it felt more social than a interview. We talked about the company, they asked me what I knew and expanded on stuff I didn’t know (I guess this was to demonstrate if I have an interest in the sector they deal with), they explained what the role involved and asked if I was interested (I guess they were asking why I wanted the job), they asked about my project (I guess they wanted to know if I could communicate what my work was about).

This part was quite interesting, I was asked what I expected as a salary and I never know what to answer so I said something along the lines of 'Honestly, I never know what to answer and I've been asked a few times.' and then I said ‘I'm open to offers’. I think I eventually suggested a range of 20-25k and then I asked what he thought of that and he said '25k' ...I again said 'yeah I really never know what to say' and he said 'you should go for that' :P Made me feel better. So, I shook his hand and thanked him for his time as I waited for the second interviewer to come along. As I waited I was thinking 'hmm, wonder how long that was, I checked my phone quickly and it had been 1hour *shocked*

The second interviewer came along, she asked a few questions and I think I ended up asking her more and how she got into the company, impressed I was!!! We spoke for about 20minutes and then I was escorted out and said that if they needed to ask me anything else they'd contact the recruiter and get back to me through her.

A few downsides, I did unintentionally interrupt the guy twice, he was talking and would pause and I assumed he wanted me to reply so as I would utter a word and he would continue talking and I would apologise immediately (yikes!). He did have one question that I have no idea if I was right on; he told me that I'd start 1st line but would get a chance to try everything. He asked me what I would want to specialise in...I told him that 'right now I haven't narrowed it down as I don’t have the commercial experience and that I before making a decision I would like to try and work in different areas' ...he then asked me if you had to decide right now between 'software, hardware, networks' which would you decide to work in...i said 'it would be networks as I haven't had the chance to work in that environment yet and It would be something I would really like to learn.'

So, I'd have to say 60% good and 40% bad. I would love this job but if I don’t get it I definitely benefited from the experience.

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